CAD PC Setup

[gt07]

Hey ya'll,

I've never built my own computer, usually just added parts and upgraded. Well, I'm trying to build a high-performance CAD graphics computer that'll last me for awhile.

Can ya'll take a look and make sure everything will work together. I just don't feel like spending 2k-3k and something not working. ALso, if you think something i've chosen is crap, let me know.


Case and Power Supply:
Antec ATX PLUSVIEW1000AMG
Antec True430W ATX12V

Motherboard/Processor/RAM:
Super Micro X5DA8 MOBO
Dual Intel 2.66Ghz Xeon
1GB Corsair TWINX1024-3200LLPT DDR 400 XMS3200 w/ Plat Heat Spreader

Storage:
Lite On LTR5224 cd-rw burner
WD WD1200JB 120GB (X2)
3Ware 7000-2 2 ATA133 RAID

Graphics/Sound:
PNY Quadro4 750 XGL (Possibly FX 1000, is there any really noticable difference)
Turtle Beach Systems Santa Cruz

NIC:
D-Link DFE-530TX+


Thanks for any input.

 

[jackschmittusa]

The mobo only supports registered ECC ram, so the Corsair is not good. The Turtle Beach card is a good one, but the mobo has built-in 6ch sound which should be good enough. Not personally familiar with the vid cards, so I can't say about that. The rest of your choices look good though.

 

[jbond04]

What kind of work would you do with this machine? Also, what kind of CAD software are you using?

The more information we have about the system, the easier it will be for us to help you.

 

[gt07]

I'll be working with CATIA, AutoCAD, and SolidEdge. Still trying to learn others.

What kind of RAM would be good with this MOBO?

I would get better sound out of the Santa Cruz right? It is only a $50 part so I'm thinking if it's at all better, it's worth it (I'm using Klipsch 5.1)

 

[gt07]

Typically at any moment i have about 10 windows open (3-4 internet browsers, CAD software, Photoshop, Windows Media Player, DC++, Webcam Software, plus a few computer directories as I'm accessing my folders).

Would the RAID I've chosen work well or is there something better for around the same price?

 

[mechBgon]

You can get a 1Gb Corsair Registered ECC PC2100 module at monarchcomputer.com for $275, last time I looked about a week ago.

I don't think this board can be used in the Antec case. Simply installing it would probably be physically impossible due to its very large size and the non-removable drive-bay supports which the drive cages hang from. Here's the Supermicro chassis chart: link. The Addtronics WTX chassis might be worth a look-at: Addtronics W8500 and AnandTech's review of the W8500

The X5DA8 is going to require a special power supply too. It appears to be EPS, with the 24-pin, 8-pin AND 4-pin power plugs being required, but you would want to make sure on this before ordering a PSU for it. I'd ask Supermicro what they recommend.

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: gt07
Typically at any moment i have about 10 windows open (3-4 internet browsers, CAD software, Photoshop, Windows Media Player, DC++, Webcam Software, plus a few computer directories as I'm accessing my folders).

Would the RAID I've chosen work well or is there something better for around the same price?

Well, for something that intensive, maybe a little more ram wouldn't hurt. Will you be doing Raid 0 or Raid 1? Do you understand the risks involved with Raid 0?

 

[jbond04]

Looking at the software you are using, I'm gonna say that you won't need dual processors. I don't know what kind of parts you work on, but it looks like the type of CAD you're doing is mechanical in nature, so unless you're working on MASSIVE assemblies, your dual 2.66GHz processors are overkill. I think 1GB of RAM is right on target...I know AutoCAD doesn't use that much RAM, although if you're doing large assemblies in your two parametric modeling programs (SolidEdge and CATIA), then 1.5GB might be advisable.

I think you can save a lot of money by going with a super-fast single processor (3.06GHz P4), 1.5GB of RAM, and a normal ATX case configuration. Like I said earlier, I'm still not exactly sure as to the typical kind of mechanical design work that you do (single-part, small assembly, or large assembly), but the system that you've worked out seems like overkill to me.

 

[UpGrD]

I have to agree with jbond04.
I do CAD/CAM for a living, my system is as follows:

DELL Dimension 4400
2ghz P4
1.5gb DDR
100 gb 7200rpm HD
XP Pro
3D Labs Wildcat 128 MB

Not a screamer but it serves me well.
I use Surfcam, Solid Works, and Rhino. I'll often have 5-6 CAD ap windows open at a time, without visable lag. Note that some files are over 70mb. I expect to do a MB/CPU upgrade soon but still could not justify a system as you spec'ed out.
It would be nice... but a waist in my view.

 

[gt07]

Yeah, I'm mainly using CATIA, which is a very intensive aerospace program with simulators and all. I'm dealing with full assembly and design so that's why I was thinking dual processors. honestly, money won't be an issue, I'm getting third-party money for this. I'd for sure upgrade the ram to 1.5-2 if that'd make a good difference, i just wasn't sure if it'd max out and more than 1 be useless.

Yeah, a lot of it will be overkill but i'm not using my money and I'd like this computer to be more than useful for about 3-4yrs.

So any WTX case will work for this MOBO? is there another MOBO that'd be better for dual processors and with more case possibilities. I had just taken that MOBO b/c that's what alienware had been using for their workstation computers.

Thanks all for helping me with this

 

[mechBgon]

Because the E7505 chipset has two memory channels, you should get two 1Gb modules if you do go that route. That leaves you room to grow. Also, if you pick the Supermicro, why not pick up a couple of SCSI drives so you can take advantage of the onboard U320 SCSI controller? 36Gb Maxtor Atlas 10k IV's are $190 or so at Hypermicro.com and they have a five-year warranty and SCSI's inherent multitasking advantages. The board even comes with a SCSI cable, so hey. The only disadvantage is if you actually need the 120Gb capacity of those IDE drives.

 

[gt07]

i can have scsi and ide right? so if i went the scsi route i would no longer need a raid or could i also add a raid for use of ide drive while having an scsi all the same time. For example I'd keep all program files on my scsi whereas I'd keep all my random download junk on the IDE

 

[mechBgon]

That's right, you can use both SCSI and IDE at the same time. I would set up Windows with separate pagefiles on the two SCSI drives. SCSI has excellent random-access performance due to its low seek times and command queueing, and high reliability too, with five-year warranties being typical (versus 1-year or 3-year for most IDE drives). Also, SCSI is very scalable (one SCSI bus can host up to 14 drives).

 

[gt07]

K, after some thought, I'm starting to consider and ATX MOBO with P4. Problem is, now I'm looking around at Asus etc. and am unable to find a dual processing ATX MOBO.

Anybody know of any good dual cpu motherboards that support hyperthreading and have SCSI?

Would something like this work an ordinary ATX CASE and the rest of the parts I've selected?

http://www.digitallyunique.net/digitally-unique/670651.html
http://www.dealtime.com/xPO-SuperMi...717~PD-20254961~GSID-836491268db31216ad0cb1a8

I'm sorry about being such a pest, i'm just trying to get what'd be best and don't want any problems after i receive the parts.

 

[FrustratedUser]

Why do you need a Quadra card for CAD?
I'd save on that and get even more memory.
A GF4 or ATi 8500 - 9500 should do just fine.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: gt07
K, after some thought, I'm starting to consider and ATX MOBO with P4. Problem is, now I'm looking around at Asus etc. and am unable to find a dual processing ATX MOBO.

Anybody know of any good dual cpu motherboards that support hyperthreading and have SCSI?

Would something like this: http://www.digitallyunique.net/digitally-unique/670651.html work work an ordinary ATX CASE and all?

I'm sorry about being such a pest, i'm just trying to get what'd be best and don't want any problems after i receive the parts.

The Pentium4 cannot run in a dual configuration... that's what Xeons are for. The P4's and Xeons use different socket types, no interchanging.

At this point, the P4 board I would be thinking about is this one: Gigabyte 8KNXP Ultra. It has room for six memory modules, it doesn't require Registered ECC memory, and it has a Ultra320 SCSI controller onboard (be aware that there will be sister models that don't, however, so watch your product descriptions closely). The prime CPU to use with that board would be either a 3.06GHz P4 or the 3.0C P4, both with hyperthreading (the 3.0C has the 800MHz frontside bus, the 3.06 has 533MHz).

 

[gt07]

shoot, sorry. I meant a dual xeon after i edited it.

Would those dual xeon boards work in an atx case? with non-ecc memory?
Here's an example of what I'm looking at now.
http://www.dealtime.com/xPF-SuperMicro_SUPER_X5DL8_GG

THing i see with this is that the video output says PCI, and with the quadro I need agp.

Mech: do you have AIM or ICQ or anything. If so give me a holler and so I can sort this out quickly and not bother anybody anymore but if not, that's cool

AIM: pruddy84
ICQ: 47705214

 

[tasburrfoot]

Okay. It's unfortunate I'm arriving late to this conversation... First of all, Corsair PC2100 DDR is fine for the SuperMicro X5DA8 mobo. I'm using 1GB of Corsair 512mb PC2100 DDR, ECC REG from www.mwave.com, and I'm running just fine. The 3Ware RAID card is nice... I'm getting a Promise SX6000 in a few days for doing RAID 1. Might want to take a look at their products. Lastly, the Quadro 4 series is WONDERFUL for CAD. I use it for 3D Studio Max, and although it doesn't help with the actual rendering much, the speed of the viewports is absolutely amazing now. And I was using a ATI Radeon 9700 Pro (may it burn in hell)... Just thought I would mention that... Hope this helps you... If you have any questions about the SuperMicro boards, let me know... Oh, and if you do get the SuperMicro board, I highly suggest getting a 24-pin power supply. Enermax has a few (at Mwave as well)...
Tas.

SuperMicro X5DAE mobo
Xeon 2.66 GHz
1GB PC2100 Corsair ECC REG
Quadro 4 900 XGL

 

[gt07]

tas: what case are you using? or what are some alternatives. I think I'll try basing a system off of what you have since you say how well it works and by the sounds of what you have I'd assume it runs great.

 

[tasburrfoot]

I'm using a CoolerMaster ATC 101 case. Although I considered getting the 110 for a long time. Very nice case. Great for cooling. THe only thing that you have to be aware of, is that these cases do not have the four screw holes for the Xeon cooling, so you will have to mount the cooling for the Xeon processor directly to the motherboard (thus, I couldn't use the cooling that came with the processor. I had to use the one that came with the mobo). I'm running a single processor and 1GB RAM right now, but I'm getting another processor, another GB of RAM, a 120GB hd for RAID 1, another 200GB hd, and the Promise SX6000 IDE RAID controller. I can't wait. I'll post when I get my system setup all the way. *eg*
Tas.

 

[gt07]

So basically I can use any ole ATX case. I was thinking of the Antec originally posted. would that work?

 

[tasburrfoot]

It depends. The X5DAE and X5DAL are extended ATX motherboards. So they might not work in normal cases. Check the specs on the case to make sure it allows extended ATX mobos. Cause these things are huge.... Other than that, yea, it shouldn't have a problem...
Tas.

 

[tasburrfoot]

that case is standard ATX only. So it won't work with that mobo. And the RAM is way too fast. Get Corsair PC2100 (which is the only speed supported with the mobo. They run in a dual-channel config, so it isn't nearly as slow as just plain PC2100 setups). The Western Digital hd's are ATA/100, so you might want to check out getting a ATA/100 IDE RAID controller instead, unless you plan on getting other drives... Don't know about the Quadro FX 1000, as it was too high for my budget, but the 900 and 980 XGL are quite nice...
Tas.

_______________________________________________________________
Case and Power Supply:
Antec ATX PLUSVIEW1000AMG
Antec True430W ATX12V

Motherboard/Processor/RAM:
Super Micro X5DA8 MOBO
Dual Intel 2.66Ghz Xeon
1GB Corsair TWINX1024-3200LLPT DDR 400 XMS3200 w/ Plat Heat Spreader

Storage:
Lite On LTR5224 cd-rw burner
WD WD1200JB 120GB (X2)
3Ware 7000-2 2 ATA133 RAID

Graphics/Sound:
PNY Quadro4 750 XGL (Possibly FX 1000, is there any really noticable difference)
Turtle Beach Systems Santa Cruz

NIC:
D-Link DFE-530TX+

 

[gt07]

Alright, switched my MOBO/CPU to your configuration. Will look around for some extended ATX cases.

Here's what I'm working with now.


SUPER MICRO X5DAE
(X2)Intel Xeon , 2.66 GHz (BX80532KE2667D)
1 GB DDR REG ECC Corsair - Possibly 1.5-2GB
PNY NVIDIA Quadro® FX 1000 128MB DDR2 SDRAM
(X2)Maxtor Ultra - 120GB - DMA/ATA-133 (Ultra) Fast Drives - 7200Rpm
3Ware 7000-2 2 ATA133 RAID
Lite On LTR5224 cd-rw burner
Turtle Beach Systems Santa Cruz
D-Link DFE-530TX+

 

[tasburrfoot]

Pretty. When you get this machine up and running, run some benchmarks, and let me know how she runs... Ever since I upgraded from my P4 2.4GHz, it seems like there wasn't anyone else to talk to about hardware, as so few people have this type of hardware. And even fewer are the ones who pay for and build it themselves... Good luck in your endeavors...
Tas.